GoPro has just released the successor to its popular GoPro Max action camera, with the aptly named GoPro Max 2.
Considering the GoPro Max earned a four-star rating from us and a spot on our best GoPro list, the GoPro Max 2 has a lot to live up to.
We’ve highlighted the key differences between the GoPro Max 2 and GoPro Max below, to help you decide whether an upgrade is necessary or not.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the GoPro Max 2 is currently available to pre-order ahead of its official launch on September 30, and comes with a fairly hefty price tag of $499.99 / £449.99.
Although the GoPro Max has seen some updates since its initial launch back in 2019, it still boasts a more affordable price tag. While its usual RRP is £349 / $369.99, it’s possible to nab the 360 action camera for as little as £249 instead, making it a better option for budget-conscious buyers.
GoPro Max 2 captures in up to 8K
GoPro claims that the new Max 2 is the “only true 8K 360 video capture camera on the market” and is able to capture up to 21% more resolution than the competition for “superior detail and sharpness”.
This, GoPro explains, is supported by the camera’s full-range 10-bit colour which is able to capture over one billion shades for more realism and smoother gradations in videos too. While we’re yet to review the camera ourselves, these promises are certainly an exciting prospect.
The GoPro Max, on the other hand, captures on video in up to 5.6K resolution which although sounds somewhat impressive, we did find it struggled when spread across its wide capture.
GoPro Max 2 has built-in GPS
Another first for the 360 action camera is the inclusion of GPS which is built-into the device. This, GoPro explains, allows the Max 2 to use performance stickers and detect specific moments for auto-edits in Quik, GoPro’s editing software, and use GPMF data in third-part apps to overlay telemetry or geolocate photos.
There are, however, a few caveats to keep in mind. Firstly, the camera needs to be used outdoors and upright to work best, as the Max 2’s antenna is at the top of the camera. If, however, you do want to shoot upside down, then it’s recommended to power it on in the correct position first and leave it for a few minutes, before inverting it.
In fact, GoPro advises that whenever possible, you should power the Max 2 on for a few minutes before starting a recording, to connect to as many satellites as possible.
GoPro Max 2 has replaceable lenses
One of the biggest differences between the Max and Max 2 is the nature of the lenses. In fact, the original Max camera doesn’t benefit from having replaceable lenses, which means you’ll need to treat the device with care to avoid them getting scratched or damaged. While GoPro does include lens caps in the box, as they’re unsurprisingly very small they can easily get lost in transit.
The Max 2, on the other hand, benefits from replaceable lenses which allow for more flexibility. In fact, GoPro explains the twist-and-go lenses are made from “extremely durable, water-repelling optical glass” and don’t require any tools or calibration to install.
Both are fitted with six microphones
Both the GoPro Max and Max 2 sport six microphones for 360 audio, although the Max 2 does benefit from a few notable improvements from its predecessor which includes wireless Bluetooth functionality and advanced wind-noise reduction.
GoPro has also teased an upcoming 360 ambisonic audio support feature but, at the time of writing, hasn’t given much more information other than it’s “coming soon”.
GoPro Max 2 is chunkier
At first glance, the GoPro Max 2 and GoPro Max share a resemblance with a rectangular, pocket-sized design. However, the GoPro Max 2 is slightly thicker than its predecessor, at 48.7mm compared to 25mm.
Even so, the GoPro Max is otherwise slightly larger at 71.45 x 65.15mm whereas the Max 2 measures at 69.7 x 64mm.
Early Verdict
With the promise of up to 8K capture, built-in GPS and audio improvements, the GoPro Max 2 is undoubtedly an exciting-sounding action camera which seems to build upon its predecessor while offering key updates. However, we’ll have to wait until we review the GoPro Max 2 before providing a conclusive verdict.
